Nine foods that will whiten your teeth

Plenty of people lust after that perfect sparkling Hollywood smile but unfortunately it's not always that easy to attain.

However, Marylebone-based dentist Dr Richard Marques has shared his top tips for keeping teeth pearly white the natural way - without causing damage to your teeth (or your wallet).

1. Use baking soda
   Baking soda is a natural teeth whitener thanks to its oxidising properties, and is included in many toothpastes. Try mixing a quarter teaspoon of baking soda with water and applying this to the teeth with your toothbrush. It will not damage your teeth in any way but will make them look gradually whiter over time.
   
   
2. Eat strawberries
   Due to the abundant malic acid, which is a natural cleanser, in this sweet fruit, strawberries can naturally whiten your teeth. So, snack away!
   
   
3. Warm salt water
   Salt helps to both whiten your teeth naturally and look after your gums as it's a natural antibacterial. Mix a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm kettle-boiled water (make sure to cool it down!) and use it as mouthwash.
   
   
4. Eat white foods
   It might sound obvious, but the whiter the foods you eat, the whiter your teeth will be. To help keep your teeth pearly white, eat chicken, rice and fish. Avoid pigmented foods such as beetroot, blueberries, carrots and Chinese/Indian takeaways - which often include turmeric or food colourings that can bind to teeth's enamel and stain.
   
   
5. Eat apples
   Apples are one of the best natural teeth-cleansing foods. This is due in part to the cleansing texture which helps scrub away plaque, but like strawberries they also contain malic acid to enhance the process.
   
   
6. Drink water or milk
   The calcium in milk helps to strengthen tooth enamel and structure as well as jaw bone, while water is a natural cleanser that will help to wash away plaque.
   
   
7. Eat cheese
   Another great naturally cleansing food that can strengthen the teeth is cheese. It of course contains plenty of calcium to keep teeth strong, but also has a cleansing surface structure - especially when it comes to harder cheeses like cheddar.
   
   
8. Use coconut oil as a mouth rinse
   This technique, known as oil-pulling, involves swilling a tablespoon of coconut oil in your mouth for as long as you can - 15 minutes is ideal. This removes bacteria and helps prevent plaque and stains from sticking to your teeth by lubricating them.
   
   
9. Charcoal
   As odd as it may sound, charcoal is another effective way to help clean and whiten your teeth. It's a 100 per cent natural tooth polish made from activated coconut shell charcoal. It strengths gums, removes toxins from the mouth, absorbs bacteria - and is affordable.

- Daily Mail